North Korea Nears Completion of Long-Stalled China Bridge

North Korea is putting the final touches on its section of the New Yalu River bridge with China, a project that had been stalled for over a decade, according to a South Korean analytics firm that studied satellite imagery. The firm, SI Analytics, said structural work on a customs and immigration facility on the North Korean side is nearly complete as of early September.

The bridge, which spans about 3 kilometers, was built by China in 2014 to link the northeastern city of Dandong with North Korea's Sinuiju. However, Pyongyang left its side unfinished, with the road ending abruptly in a field, as ties frayed over nuclear tests.

Work resumed after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited North Korea in June, and the neighbors have since restored passenger train services and direct flights. Satellite images show road markings on the Chinese side and, on the North Korean side, paving, landscaping, and removal of support buildings. A large border gateway has been erected, bearing the country's official name and flag.

SI Analytics noted that North Korea completed in just four months what had been stalled for 12 years, using its "speed battle" campaign. The opening of this bridge, along with the recent first road bridge between North Korea and Russia, means the country now has major transport links on both its eastern and western borders, the firm added.